Joyce DiDonato: How to learn a role

Joyce DiDonato, arguably the reigning coloratura mezzo-soprano in the world at the moment, is not only a star performer but very generous in giving advice via her blog and video-log. Here is a recent corker on her role learning process:

Here’s her summary:

1. Mark up the score
2. Translate it well
3. Spend time at the piano
4. Do a little bit of listening to a large variety of recordings
5. Record yourself